Valerie Bertinelli recently shared an unforgettable anecdote from her past during a conversation with Ted Danson on the podcast *Where Everybody Knows Your Name*. In a candid revelation, she reflected on a memorable trip to South America with her late ex-husband, rock star Eddie Van Halen, which led to a surprising misunderstanding at a hotel.
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Bertinelli, who is well-known for her role in the beloved sitcom *One Day at a Time*, admitted that she missed a key episode of the series to accompany Van Halen on tour. The actress, now 66, explained that her request to skip work was granted, allowing her to travel to South America for two weeks. She humorously noted her absence from the show, saying, “I begged them, ‘Can I please go so I can go to South America for two weeks?'”
The trip took place during a time when Bertinelli’s memories of the 1980s are somewhat hazy. Nevertheless, she vividly recounted an amusing incident involving herself and Valeri Kendall, the then-wife of Van Halen’s brother, Alex. While enjoying their time together, they decided to join their husbands at the bar of the hotel. Following an enjoyable evening, the couple returned upstairs, but things took a turn when Bertinelli and Kendall attempted to do the same.
Upon reaching the lift, the women were informed that they could not go to the upper floors because hotel staff suspected them of being sex workers. In a state of disbelief, Bertinelli recounted her response: “I have a wedding ring,” she insisted, attempting to clarify her marital status. However, her claims were dismissed, with staff still refusing them access to the elevators.
Faced with the situation, Bertinelli resorted to an old-fashioned solution, given that mobile phones were not yet in widespread use. She left the lift and called Van Halen from a hotel phone, explaining, “Can you come down and get me? Because they won’t let me up. They think Valeri and I are prostitutes.”
This charming vignette illustrates the unpredictable and often humorous experiences of life on tour with a rock star. Bertinelli and Van Halen were married from 1981 until their divorce in 2007 and share one son, Wolfgang, who has since made a name for himself in the music industry.
Adding to her recent publicity, Bertinelli released a new memoir titled *Getting Naked: The Quiet Work of Becoming Perfectly Imperfect* earlier this year. The book offers a deeper look into her personal journey and struggles, providing fans an intimate glimpse into her life beyond the public eye.
Moreover, she is set to star in a Lifetime film titled *Love, Again*, which will premiere on May 9. The film marks another chapter in the actress’s diverse career and her ongoing evolution in the entertainment industry.
Bertinelli’s anecdotes underscore both the absurdity and unpredictability of life during the rock and roll era, blending a mix of nostalgia, personal reflection, and humour. Her ability to recount these experiences decades later showcases her resilience and the colourful stories that accompany a life in the spotlight. As she navigates her career and personal life with grace, Bertinelli continues to find opportunities for growth and expression.